Wedge driver and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A wedge driver and method therefor is presented. A wedge driver can be operably coupled to different ends of a link joiner to drive a wedge therebetween to form a single link. The wedge driver can also drive the wedge out of the link joiner. The present disclosure provides the benefit of allowing the safe and effective removal of the link joiner by preventing violent or forceful decoupling of a link joiner. The wedge driver can include a trunk, a first prong, a second prong, a bolt, and a driver. The driver can be spring enabled, such that the driver can recede into the trunk as the bolt egresses the trunk. A bolt of the wedge driver can push a driver out of the trunk to axially drive the wedge into (or out of) a link joiner without rotating the wedge.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to driving wedges used in linkjoiners. More specifically, in certain embodiments, the presentdisclosure relates to the installation or removal of link joiners inlocomotive handbrake chains.

BACKGROUND

Coupling links, or links, are used in a wide variety of industries.Hammer links, such as hammerlock coupling links, are often used tosplice chain segments together, repair broken chains, or attach chainsto other components. Generally, hammer links are operable to open andreceive, e.g., a chain link and another component (such as another chainlink), and subsequently securely close to couple the elements together.Some hammer links utilize wedges that can be driven into the links tofacilitate the secure coupling of the link to a given component. Thesetypes of hammer links, sometimes referred to as “link joiners,” areoften used in the railroad industry, such as in locomotive handbrakingsystems.

Locomotives are generally affixed with the equivalent of a parkingbrake, and these brakes can be referred to as handbrakes. As the namesuggests, locomotive handbrakes are operable by hand, and when alocomotive is “parked,” the handbrake is engaged to prevent unwantedmovement of the locomotive on the tracks. Locomotive handbrake systemsgenerally include several components, such as the handle, brake lever,brake shoes/pads, and brake cylinders. A handle can be located on thewalkway of a locomotive to be accessible to the conductor, and thehandle can be in operable connection with a brake lever or leverslocated under the train. The brake lever, when engaged, causes the brakeshoes and/or pads to contact the wheels of the locomotive, facilitatingthe braking of the train. The brake cylinder, in operable connectionwith the brake lever and brake shoes, can hydraulically supplement theforce that the shoes apply to the wheels. To enable the handle on thewalkway to engage the brake shoes, a chain often connects the handle tothe brake lever; the chain is tensioned between the handle and lever.When the handle is engaged, the chain can be tightened further, whichengages the brake lever and ultimately causes the brake shoes to contactthe wheels of the train.

As with all other mechanical ingenuities, locomotives and theirhandbraking systems can require maintenance. For example, componentswill rust or break and need repair, and with respect to handbrakingsystems, the chains connecting the brake handle to the brake lever areno exception. If these chains break, need to be extended, or simply needto be replaced/removed to enable maintenance to be performed on otherhandbrake system components, installation and/or removal of link joinersincorporated into the chains can be required. For example, link joinerscan serve as a chain link, such as when new lengths of chain are splicedin; in another example, link joiners can facilitate connection of thechain to the handle or lever. In any event, link joiners will often needto be installed on a brake chain or taken off of a brake chain whenhandbrake system maintenance is performed. Such tasks can be arduous anddangerous even on slackened brake chains—the wedges of link joinersrequire significant force to be inserted and removed, and using a hammeror other device on the wedge can be dangerous to personnel performingthese tasks. These problems are then greatly compounded when the brakechains are tensioned by hand, because removal of the link joiner canrelease the tension in the chain, sometimes violently, which can injurepersonnel or damage property.

Because of these issues, two people are often needed to remove a linkjoiner from a tensioned brake chain—one person to tension the chain byhand such that the link joiner is relieved of strain, and one person toopen the link joiner. However, even working in pairs, this job can bedangerous, as human error is inevitable; further, it can be onerous toattempt to, for example, hammer a wedge out of a link joiner while thelink joiner is suspended in a length of chain. As such, railroadpersonnel will oftentimes be required to detach the chain from thehandbrake system to enable the attachment or removal of a link joiner,increasing the time and expense of maintenance operations on thelocomotive.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure teaches technical advantages as a wedge driverand method therefor. The disclosure provides for the installation orremoval of link joiners or hammer links on chains or other components.In one embodiment, a wedge driver can be operably coupled to differentends of a link joiner to drive a wedge therebetween to form a singlelink. The wedge driver can also drive the wedge out of the link joiner.The present disclosure provides the benefit of allowing the safe andeffective removal of the link joiner by preventing violent or forcefuldecoupling of a link joiner, such that the link joiner does not have tobe under strain. In another embodiment, the present disclosure canfacilitate the driving of a wedge in a link joiner that is not understrain, such as a link joiner that is incorporated into a non-tensionedbrake chain on a locomotive. In another embodiment, the presentdisclosure can enable a single person to safely remove a link joinerthat is not under strain, such as from a non-tensioned chain, and suchas by preventing forceful decoupling of the link joiner. In anotherexample, the present disclosure can provide a driver that can bemechanically mobilized up and down a longitudinal axis, which canincrease safety in link joiner wedge driving. For example, aspring-enabled driver can extend out of a wedge driver trunk opening byrotatable insertion of a bolt not the trunk opening, thereby mitigatingthe need for a person to place their hand or finger into the mouth ofthe wedge driver to adjust the driver.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure can provide for axial andstabilized driving of a wedge without the use of, e.g., a hammer. Forexample, the present disclosure can provide for the conversion oftorque, such as can be applied to a bolt with a standard wrench head viaa impact driver, wrench, or other mechanism, to axial pressure that canbe focused on and directed to a wedge. In one embodiment, application oftorque to a bolt can longitudinally drive the bolt via threads of thebolt; however, in another embodiment, such rotation of bolt during thedriving, unmitigated, could cause unstable driving of a wedge, becauserotation of the bolt could interfere with, e.g., the axial driving ofthe wedge at the point of contact between the bolt and wedge. In anotherembodiment, engaging the bolt with a driver in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure can enable the driver to similarlybe driven longitudinally while mitigating rotational movement of thedriver around a longitudinal axis of the driver, thereby providing forstabilized axial driving of a wedge by the driver.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a wedge driver forinserting or removing a wedge from a link joiner. Another object of thepresent disclosure is to provide a method of operating a link wedge.Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a safe method ofinstalling or removing link joiners on tensioned chains.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure can include a wedgedriver. The wedge driver can include a trunk having a first trunk end, asecond trunk end, and a trunk opening disposed through the trunk fromthe first trunk end to the second trunk end; a first prong extendingfrom a first side of the second trunk end; a second prong extending froma second side the second trunk end; a driver having a first driver end,a second driver end, a channel disposed along at least a portion of thedriver, a driver cap coupled to the first driver end, and an adaptercoupled to the second driver end; a spring disposed around at least aportion of the driver; a bolt having a first bolt end and a second boltend; and a trunk cap removably coupled to the first end of the trunk,the trunk cap having a threaded bolt opening aligned with the trunkopening and configured to receive the bolt. In one embodiment, thedriver can be disposed within the trunk opening. In another embodiment,the first prong and the second prong can include a retention memberdisposed thereon to retain a link joiner. In another embodiment, thedriver cap can prevent the driver from exiting the trunk opening throughthe threaded bolt opening. In another embodiment, the bolt can push atleast a portion of the driver out of the second trunk end through thetrunk opening. In another embodiment, the trunk opening can include aledge proximate the second trunk end. In another embodiment, the springcan compress between the driver cap and the ledge when the bolt pushesat least a portion of the driver out of the second trunk end through thetrunk opening. In another embodiment, the spring can push the driver capthrough the trunk opening toward the first trunk end to retract at leasta portion of the driver back into the trunk opening after springcompression. In another embodiment, a set member can engage the channelto prevent the driver from rotating around a longitudinal axis of thedriver member. In another embodiment, the adapter can include a groovefor receiving at least a portion of a wedge. In another embodiment, alength between the first prong and the second prong can be sized toreceive a link joiner or hammer link.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure can include a method ofoperating a link wedge. The method can include the steps of receiving alink joiner between a first prong and a second prong of a wedge driver;positioning a wedge first end in a groove of a driver; positioning awedge second end in a wedge opening of a link joiner; applying torque toa bolt in a first direction to extend at least a portion of the driverout of the wedge driver to push the wedge into the wedge opening withoutrotating the wedge; and applying torque to a bolt in a second directionto allow a spring disposed within the wedge driver to retract at least aportion of the driver back into the wedge driver. In another embodiment,the wedge driver can include a trunk having a first trunk end, a secondtrunk end, and a trunk opening disposed through the trunk from the firsttrunk end to the second trunk end. In another embodiment, the wedgedriver can include a trunk cap removably coupled to the first end of thetrunk, the trunk cap having a threaded bolt opening aligned with thetrunk opening and configured to receive the bolt. In another embodiment,the driver can include: a first driver end, a second driver end, achannel disposed along at least a portion of the driver, a driver capcoupled to the first driver end, and an adapter coupled to the seconddriver end. In another embodiment, a spring can be disposed around atleast a portion of the driver. In another embodiment, the driver cap canprevent the driver from exiting the trunk opening through the threadedbolt opening. In another embodiment, the trunk opening can include aledge proximate the second trunk end. In another embodiment, the springcan push the cap through the trunk opening toward the first trunk end toretract at least a portion of the driver back into the trunk openingafter spring compression. In another embodiment, a set member can engagethe channel to prevent the driver from rotating around a longitudinalaxis of the driver member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be readily understood by the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings that illustrate, by way of example, the principles of thepresent disclosure. The drawings illustrate the design and utility ofone or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, in whichlike elements are referred to by like reference numbers or symbols. Theobjects and elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale,proportion, or precise positional relationship. Instead, emphasis isfocused on illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a spring-loaded wedge driver,in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 1B illustrates a bottom perspective view of a spring-loaded wedgedriver, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 1C illustrates a top perspective view of a non-spring-loaded wedgedriver, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of the components of a wedge driverhaving a spring-enabled driver, in accordance with one or more exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic view of some of the components of anon-spring-loaded wedge driver, in accordance with one or more exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates another schematic view of some of the components ofa wedge driver, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 4A illustrates a wedge being driven into a link using a wedgedriver when the link is under strain, in accordance with one or moreexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B illustrates a wedge being driven out of a link using a wedgedriver when the link is not under strain, in accordance with one or moreexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A illustrates a prior art wedge including ears and pins, inaccordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 5B illustrates a prior art link joiner including a driven wedge, inaccordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The preferred version of the disclosure presented in the followingwritten description and the various features and advantageous detailsthereof, are explained more fully with reference to the non-limitingexamples included in the accompanying drawings and as detailed in thedescription, which follows. Descriptions of well-known components havebeen omitted so to not unnecessarily obscure the principal featuresdescribed herein. The examples used in the following description areintended to facilitate an understanding of the ways in which thedisclosure can be implemented and practiced. Accordingly, these examplesshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a wedge driver 100 in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the apparatus100 can include a trunk 102 and a handle (handle member) 104. In anotherembodiment, the trunk can include a first trunk end 136, a second trunkend 138, a first side 140, and a second side 142. In one embodiment, thewedge driver 100 can include a first prong 144 that can extend from thefirst side 140 of the second trunk end 138. In another embodiment, thewedge driver 100 can include a second prong 146 that can extend from asecond side 142 of the second trunk end 138. In another embodiment, thefirst and second prong 144, 146 can form a mouth 128 therebetween. Inone embodiment, the trunk 102 and the first and second prongs 144, 146can be made of a unitary body. In such a case, the unitary body cancollectively be referred to as the main body or can be referred to byits individual components, the trunk 102 and the first and second prongs144, 146. In one example, the first and second prongs 144, 146 can eachinclude a retention member 148. For example, the retention member 148can be a protrusion or lip that can retain a link joiner. In anotherembodiment, the wedge driver 100 can include a trunk cap (trunk capmember) 106 coupled to the first trunk end of the trunk 102. In oneembodiment, the trunk cap 106 can be removably coupled to the trunk 102.In another embodiment, the trunk cap 106 can include a threaded boltopening; in one example, the threaded bolt opening of the trunk cap 106can be aligned with a trunk opening. In another embodiment, the threadedbolt opening can be configured to receive a bolt (such as bolt 112).

In another embodiment, the wedge driver 100 can include a bolt (boltmember) 112. In another embodiment, the bolt 112 can be coupled to thetrunk 102 via threads disposed within at least a portion of the trunkopening. In another embodiment, the bolt 112 can be coupled to the trunk102 via threads disposed within at least a portion of the trunk cap 106.In another example, application of torque to the bolt 112 can cause thebolt 112 to travel longitudinally within at least a portion of the wedgedriver 100 or trunk 102. In one embodiment, the wedge driver 100 ortrunk 102 can include a trunk opening (not shown in FIGS. 1A-1B). Forexample, the bolt 112 can travel within the trunk opening of theapparatus 100. In another embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include adriver (driver member) 110. For example, the driver 110 can travellongitudinally within the trunk opening of the trunk 102. In oneembodiment, the application of torque to the bolt 112 can cause thedriver 110 to travel within the trunk opening to contact and move thedriver (e.g., the bolt 112 can push the driver 110 through at least aportion of the trunk opening). In another embodiment, the apparatus 100can include a set member 108. In another embodiment, the set member 108can selectively extend into a hole in the trunk 102 and travel therein,such as to abut the driver 110. In one embodiment, the set member 108can engage within a channel 132 of the driver 110. For example, in thismanner, the apparatus 100 can be configured to prevent the driver 110from rotating and can allow longitudinal travel through the trunkopening. In one example, the set member 108 can prevent the driver 110from rotating around a longitudinal axis of the trunk 102, and also keepdriver 110 retained in trunk 102. In another embodiment, the set member108 can be a pin, corrugation, embossing, a nub, or any other suitablecomponent. In one embodiment, the bolt 112 can push at least a portionof the driver 110 out of the second trunk end 138 through the trunkopening.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 100, the trunk 102, and/or the driver110 can be configured to receive a link (e.g., coupling link, chainlink, etc.), a wedge, and/or a link and wedge, such as a hammer link orlink joiner utilizing a wedge like those known in the art with respectto locomotive handbrakes. For example, the trunk 102 can include a mouth128 between the first and second prongs 144, 146 that can be sized toreceive a link. In another example, the mouth 128 can include aretention member 148. In one embodiment, the retention member 148 can beconfigured to retain a link joiner. For example, each retention member148 can include a lip configured to receive and/or retain a link. Inanother example, the mouth 128 can be sized to allow the apparatus 102to receive a link and further receive a loose wedge, such that the wedgecan be aligned with the link within the mouth 128 and driven into thelink by the driver 110 of the apparatus 102. In another example, themouth 128 can include imprinting, embossing, corrugations, or any otherelements suitable to facilitate the receiving or securing of a linkwithin the mouth 128. Preferably, in another embodiment, the driver 110can be configured to recede into the trunk 102, such as when the bolt112 is loosened. For example, the driver 110 can be spring enabled, suchthat the driver 110 can recede out of the mouth 128 and into theapparatus 100 or trunk 102 (e.g., when the bolt 112 is loosened), suchas to provide room for a link or link and wedge to be received withinthe mouth 128. In another example, the driver 110 can be configured tocontact a wedge within the mouth 128 of the apparatus 100, such as todrive the wedge. For example, the driver 110 can include a notch 134 orgroove 134 that can fit with a wedge. In another example, the driver 110can include an adapter 134 coupled to an end of the driver 110 that canreceive a wedge. In one embodiment, the adapter can include a groove 134that can receive a portion of a wedge. In another embodiment, the groove134 can be disposed on the second driver end directly, without anyadapter. For example, the groove 134 can be sized to receive a wedge,such that the wedge can be stabilized against rotation or otherwisesecured by the groove 112 of the driver 110, such as when the wedge isbeing driven into a link.

In operation, in one exemplary embodiment, the wedge driver 100 canreceive a link wedge via the insertion of the link joiner between thefirst and second prongs 144, 146 through the mouth 128. In anotherembodiment, the wedge first end can be positioned in a groove of adriver and the second wedge end can be positioned in a wedge opening ofthe link joiner. In another embodiment, the application of torque to abolt in a first direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) canextend at least a portion of the driver out of the wedge driver to pushthe wedge into the wedge opening of the link joiner without rotating thewedge. For example, the link joiner can rest on the retention member 148of the first and second prongs 144, 146 to retain the link joiner inplace while the wedge driver pushes the wedge into the wedge opening. Inanother embodiment, applying torque to the bolt in a second direction(e.g., counterclockwise or clockwise) to allow a spring disposed withinthe wedge driver to retract at least a portion of the driver back intothe wedge driver. For example, the link joiner can rest on the retentionmember 148 of the first and second prongs 144, 146 to retain the linkjoiner in place while the wedge driver pushes the wedge out of the wedgeopening and through the mouth 128.

FIG. 1C depicts another embodiment of the present disclosure. A wedgedriver 116 can be similar to apparatus 100. For example, the apparatus116 can include a trunk 118, a handle 120, a driver-stabilizing setmember 124, a mouth 130, a bolt 132, and a driver 126. In oneembodiment, the apparatus 116 can vary from apparatus 100, in thatapparatus 116 can include a hollow shaft 122 through which the bolt 132can extend. In one example, the apparatus 116 can have the shaft 122instead of a trunk cap 106. For example, the shaft 122 can includethreads configured to engage the threads of the bolt 132, such thatapplication of torque to the bolt 132 can cause the bolt 132 to travellongitudinally within the shaft 122 and apparatus 116. In anotherembodiment, the shaft 122 can provide an attachment point for the handle120. In another embodiment, the shaft 122 can have threads only at thetop of the shaft 122, such that a substantial portion of the shaft 122can be smooth and act as a trunk opening for the bolt 132 and driver126. In another embodiment, a trunk cap (such as trunk cap 106) can besized to fit the shaft 122 and coupled or removably coupled to the shaft122, and the bolt 132 can be screwably engaged to the trunk cap. Forexample, a trunk cap can act as a cap to the shaft 122, such that a boltcan extend through and contact the cap via threads on either the cap,the bolt, or both, and the shaft 122 can have a smooth trunk openingtherein to house the bolt and/or the driver.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present disclosure. A wedgedriver apparatus (wedge driver) (wedge driving system) 200 can besimilar to apparatus 100 and apparatus 116. In one embodiment, theapparatus 200 can include a trunk 202 and a handle 204. In anotherembodiment, the apparatus 200 can include a trunk cap 206 coupled orremovably coupled with the trunk 102; for example, a screw 214 or screws214 can secure the trunk cap 206 to the trunk 202. In another embodimentthe trunk 202 can include a trunk cap 206 to access, assemble, andreplace components disposed within the trunk. In another embodiment, thetrunk 202 and trunk cap. In one embodiment, the apparatus 200 caninclude a bolt 212. In one embodiment, the bolt 212 can be configured totravel longitudinally within the apparatus 200. For example, the bolt212 can include threads that can correspond to threads of the trunk cap206 or trunk 202, such that application of torque to the bolt 212 (suchas to a head of the bolt 212) can cause the bolt to travellongitudinally within the apparatus 200. In one embodiment, the bolt 212can be configured to engage a torque-generating mechanism, such as awrench, drill, impact driver, human hand, or any other suitabletorque-generating mechanism, such as a mechanism that can activatethreads of the bolt 212 by turning the bolt 212. In another embodiment,the handle 204 can be secured to the trunk 202 via welding; in anotherembodiment, the handle 204 can be fabricated as part of the trunk 202.In another embodiment, the handle can be attached to the trunk 202 viaadhesive, screws, latches, or any other mechanism suitable to attach thehandle 204 to the trunk 202 such that the trunk 202 can be supported byhandle 204, such as when an operator of the apparatus 200 is utilizingthe apparatus 200.

In another embodiment, the apparatus 200 can include a driver 210. Forexample, the driver 210 can be similar to driver 110. In one embodiment,the driver 210 can include a first end 224 and a second end 226. In oneexample, the first end 224 can be configured to contact the bolt 212.For example, the first end 224 can include a recess configured toreceive a protrusion, such as a protrusion at a tip of the bolt 212. Inanother embodiment, the first end 224 can be flat, such that the bolt212 can contact the first end 224 and exert force on the driver 210. Forexample, the driver 210 can include a driver cap 228. In one embodiment,the driver cap 228 can be coupled to the first end 224 of the driver210. In another embodiment, the driver cap 228 can prevent the driver210 from exiting the trunk 202 through a threaded bolt opening of thetrunk cap 206. In another embodiment, the first end 224 can be of anysuitable design or configuration to allow the bolt 212 to contact thedriver 210 such that the bolt can rotate against the first end 224 (suchas when torque is applied to the bolt 212) and exert force against thedriver 210 (such as to cause the driver 210 to travel within the trunkopening 216). In one embodiment, the driver 210 can be spring enabled,such as via a spring 218 that can compress and expand within the trunkopening. In another embodiment, the driver 210 can include a spring 218disposed around at least a portion of the driver 210. For example, thefirst end 224 can include a head (e.g., a driver cap 228). For example,the head can have a larger diameter than the spring 218, such that thespring can abut the head when the spring 218 is compressed between thedriver cap 228 and the ledge 230. In another embodiment, the first end224 can include a pin, nubs, embossing, or any other design or mechanismsuitable to abut the spring 218 and allow the spring 218 to compressthereagainst. In another embodiment, the driver 210 can include achannel 220 extending longitudinally on the surface of the driver 210.In one embodiment, the channel 220 can be configured to engage a setmember 208 of the apparatus that can extend through the trunk 202. Inthis manner, for example, the driver 210 can be configured to bestabilized against rotation along a longitudinal axis of the driver 210.In another embodiment, the second end 226 of the driver 210 can beconfigured to contact a wedge. For example, the second end 226 caninclude a groove adapted to receive a top of a wedge and facilitatestable driving of the wedge, such as into a link. The second end 226 canhave a groove similar to groove 134 in FIGS. 1A-1B.

In another embodiment, the driver 210 can move longitudinally within atrunk opening 216 of the apparatus 200. For example, the trunk 202 caninclude a trunk opening 216 configured to house the driver 210 andspring 218, such as by having a larger diameter than the driver 210 suchthat the driver can travel longitudinally therein. Preferably, thedriver 210 can be a spring-enabled driver 210. For example, a spring(such as spring 218) can exert pressure against the driver 210, suchthat as the bolt 212 progresses out of the trunk opening 216 andtherefore relieves pressure on the driver 210, the driver 210 can recedeinto the trunk 202 via force exerted by the spring 218. In anotherembodiment, driver 210 can be pushed by the bolt 212 when torque isapplied to the bolt 212 that causes the bolt 212 to progress furtherinto the trunk 202 via threads of the bolt 212. In another example, thedriver 210 can move longitudinally such that it extrudes into a mouth222 of the trunk 202. In one embodiment, the trunk opening 216 can havea uniform diameter; in another embodiment, the diameter of the trunkopening 216 can have a wider portion and a narrower portion. Forexample, the trunk opening 216 can have a portion with a diameterconfigured to accommodate the driver 210 and spring 218 disposedthereon. In one embodiment, the trunk opening 216 can include a ledge(lip) 230 therein that the spring 218 can compress against, such as whenthe spring 218 is compressed by first end 224 of the driver 210.

In another embodiment, the trunk opening 216 can include a ledge 230proximate a second trunk end (such as second trunk end 138). In oneexample, the spring 218 can compresses between the driver cap 228 andthe ledge 230 of the trunk opening 216 when the bolt 212 pushes at leasta portion of the driver 210 out of the second trunk end through thetrunk opening 216. In another embodiment, the spring 218 can push thedriver cap 228 through the trunk opening 216 toward a first end of thetrunk 202 to retract at least a portion of the driver 210 back into thetrunk opening 216 after spring 218 compression. In one embodiment, thelip 230 can have a diameter larger than that of the driver 210, suchthat the driver 210 can travel through the lip 230 and into a narrowerportion of the trunk opening (and out into the mouth 222) while thespring 218 can be compressed against the lip 230. In another embodiment,the trunk opening can include embossing, ridges, a pin, or any othermechanism suitable to provide a compression surface for the spring 218to compress against. In this manner, the trunk opening 216 can beconfigured to house the driver 210 or spring-enabled driver member 210.In another example, and in this manner, the apparatus 200 can include aspring-enabled driver.

FIGS. 3A-3B depict another embodiment of the present disclosure andpreferred dimensions thereof. In one embodiment, a wedge driver 300 caninclude a trunk member 302, a handle member 304, and a shaft member 306.In another embodiment, a trunk opening 308 can extend through the shaft306 and the trunk 302 and into a mouth 332 of the trunk 302. In oneexample, the mouth 332 of the trunk can have a height of 5.3 inches, awidth of 5.5 inches, and an opening of 3.5 inches. In another example,the trunk 302 can have a width of 8.0 inches, a height of 9.375 inches,and a thickness of 3.0 inches. In one example, the mouth 332 of thetrunk can have a height of 2.625 inches, a width of 2.75 inches, and anopening of 1.75 inches. In another example, the trunk 302 can have awidth of 4.0 inches, a height of 4.6875 inches, and a thickness of 1.5inches. In one embodiment, edges and/or corners of the trunk 302 can bebeveled. In another embodiment, the shaft 306 can have a length of 3.0inches and a thickness of 1.2 inches. In one example, the handle 304 canbe secured to the trunk 302 and the shaft 306. For example, the handle304 can extend 4.15 inches from the shaft 306, and 2.75 inches from thetrunk 302. In one embodiment, the handle 304 can have a maximum innerdiameter of 5.0 inches. In another embodiment, a trunk opening 308 canextend through the shaft 306 and trunk 302 and be accessible at themouth 332 of the trunk 302 and top of the shaft 306. In one example, thetrunk opening 308 can be threaded. In another example, the trunk openingcan be 4.25 inches long. In another embodiment, the trunk opening canhave inner threads ⅝-inch-18 and outer threads of ¾-inch-16. In oneembodiment, the trunk 302 can include a hole 334; in one example, thehole 334 can be configured to receive a set member or set screw, such asset member 316. In another embodiment, a length between a first prongand second prong of the trunk 302 can be sized to receive a link joineror hammer link.

In one embodiment, a driver 310 can include a channel, such as a channel312, that can engage with a driver-stabilizing set member (e.g., setmember 316) of a trunk 302. For example, the driver 310 can be 7.12inches long; in another example, a driver 310 can be 1.124 inches thick.In one embodiment, a channel 312 on the driver 310 can be around 5.0inches long; in another embodiment, the channel 312 can be 0.375 incheswide. For example, the driver 310 can be 3.56 inches long; in anotherexample, a driver 310 can be 0.562 inches thick. In one embodiment, achannel 312 on the driver 310 can be around 2.687 inches long; inanother embodiment, the channel 312 can be 0.1875 inches wide. In oneexample, the channel can have rounded ends, such that the ends of thechannel 312 can accommodate a round set member or pin engaged within thechannel 312 (such as set member 316). In another embodiment, the channel312 can have a depth of approximately 0.19 inches. In anotherembodiment, the channel 312 can have a depth of approximately 0.0935inches. In another embodiment, the driver 310 can include a first end330 and a second end 314. In one embodiment, the first end 330 can beconfigured to contact a bolt, such as bolt 318. For example, the firstend 330 can include a recess configured to receive a protrusion of thebolt 318, such as protrusion 324 of bolt 318. In one embodiment, therecess of the first end 330 can have a diameter of 0.75 inches. In oneembodiment, the recess of the first end 330 can have a diameter of 0.375inches; in another embodiment, the recess can have a rounded bottom,such as to accommodate a rounded protrusion (such as protrusion 324). Inanother embodiment, the recess of the first end 330 can have a depth of0.5 inches, and a radius of curvature of approximately 0.375 inches. Inanother embodiment, the recess of the first end 330 can have a depth of0.25 inches, and a radius of curvature of approximately 0.1875 inches.In another embodiment, the driver 310 can have a second end 314configure to contact a wedge. For example, the second end 314 can have agroove. In another example, the groove can be a recess, such as arectangular recess, in the second end 314, and can have a depth ofapproximately 0.125 inches. In another embodiment, the recess can have awidth of approximately 0.685 inches. In another example, the groove canbe a recess or rectangular recess in the second end 314 and can have adepth of approximately 0.0625 inches. In another embodiment, the recesscan have a width of approximately 0.3425 inches.

In one embodiment, a wedge driving system can include a bolt 318, suchas a bolt that can couple with the trunk 302. In one example, the bolt318 can include a head 320, a shaft 322, and a protrusion 324. Inanother embodiment, the bolt 318 can include a first bolt end 320 and asecond bolt end 324. In one embodiment, the head can be a standardwrench head, such as a hexagonal wrench head; in another embodiment, thehead 320 can be a flat head, Philips head, or any other head suitable tofacilitate the application of torque to the bolt 318. In one embodiment,the head 320 can be 1.875 inches wide. In one embodiment, the head 320can be 0.9375 inches wide. In another embodiment, the shaft 322 can be6.899 inches long. In another embodiment, the shaft 322 can include 6.75inches of length that is uniform, and at the end of the shaft 322nearest the protrusion 324, the shaft 322 can taper for a longitudinaldistance of approximately 0.244 inches. In another embodiment, the shaft322 can be 3.4495 inches long. In another embodiment, the shaft 322 caninclude 3.3875 inches of length that is uniform, and at the end of theshaft 322 nearest the protrusion 324, the shaft 322 can taper for alongitudinal distance of approximately 0.0620 inches. For example, theend of the bolt 318 can taper at an angle of approximately 60°. Inanother example, the end of the bolt 318 can taper at an angle ofapproximately 30°. In one example, the protrusion 324 can be 0.736inches wide; in another embodiment, the protrusion 324 can have a heightof approximately 0.51 inches as measured from the bottom of theprotrusion 324 to a center point of the curvature of the protrusion 324.In another example, the protrusion can have a radius of curvature ofapproximately 0.368 inches. In one example, the protrusion 324 can be0.3680 inches wide; in another embodiment, the protrusion 324 can have aheight of approximately 0.2505 inches as measured from the bottom of theprotrusion 324 to a center point of the curvature of the protrusion 324.In another example, the protrusion can have a radius of curvature ofapproximately 0.1840 inches. For example, the protrusion 324, asdescribed with respect to FIGS. 3A-3B, can have dimensions allowing theprotrusion 324 to fit within the recess at the first end 330 of thedriver 310, and in this manner, the bolt 318 can be configured tocontact the driver 310. In one embodiment, the bolt 318 can includethreads on the shaft 322; in one example, the threads can be ⅝-inch-18threads. In another example, the bolt 318 can be a ⅝-18 GR8 bolt withthreads running the length of the shaft 322. In one embodiment, thethreads of the shaft 322 can be configured to engage the threads of thetrunk opening 308.

In another embodiment, the system can include a set member 316 or setscrew 316, such as can be engaged within the hole 334 on the trunk 302.In one example, the hole 334 can include a thread or threads that cancorrespond to a thread or threads on the set member 316. In oneembodiment, the set member 316 can include a first end 326 and a secondend 328. In one example, the first end 326 can include a standard wrenchhead, such as a hex wrench, Philips head, flat head, or any other headsuitable to facilitate the application of torque to the set member 316.In one example, the set member 316 can be a set screw, such that awrench head of the set member 316 can be recessed or indented into thefirst end 326 of the set member 316. In another embodiment, the secondend 328 of the set member 316 can include a nib; in one embodiment, thenib of the second end 328 of the set member 316 can be configured toengage the channel 312 of the driver 310. For example, the nib can havea diameter of 0.360 inches; in another example, the nib can have aheight of 0.180 inches. In another embodiment, the set member 316 canhave a diameter of 0.5 inches. In one embodiment, the first end 326 canbe approximately 0.32 inches long. For example, the nib can have adiameter of 0.180 inches; in another example, the nib can have a heightof 0.09 inches. In another embodiment, the set member 316 can have adiameter of 0.25 inches. In one embodiment, the first end 326 can beapproximately 0.156 inches long. In another embodiment, the set member316 can be a ¼-inch-20 screw. In one embodiment, the nib can beconfigured to engage within a channel 312, such as via the dimensions ofthe nib and channel 312 like those discussed herein.

FIGS. 4A-4B depict another embodiment 400 of the present disclosure. Inone embodiment, a method of operating a link wedge can include a wedgedriver apparatus 402. For example, the apparatus 402 can be similar towedge driver 100, 200, and/or that depicted in FIGS. 3A-3B. Theapparatus 402 can receive a link 404 (e.g., hammer link, link joiner,etc.). In one embodiment, a mouth of the apparatus 402 can be configuredto receive the link 404 such that the retention member (lips) of thetrunk of the apparatus 402 can support the link 404 in the mouth of thetrunk, such as between a first prong and a second prong of the apparatus402. In another embodiment, the apparatus 402 can be configured toreceive a link 404 and a wedge 406 to be driven therein. In one example,the driver 412 of the apparatus 402 can be withdrawn into the trunk,such that there can be adequate space in the mouth of the trunk for thelink 404 and wedge 406 to fit. Preferably, in one example, with the link404 in position within the trunk, and the wedge 406 primed to be driveninto the link 404, the driver 412 of the apparatus 402 can contact thewedge 406 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.In one embodiment, a bolt 414 of the apparatus 402 can exert force onthe driver 412 and cause the driver 412 to push the wedge 406 into thelink 404. In one embodiment, driving the wedge 406 into the link 404 cansecure and/or close the link 404. In another embodiment, the method 400can be performed while a chain 408 is coupled to a brake handle and/orlever of a locomotive handbrake system.

In another embodiment, a method of driving a wedge 410 out of a link 404can similarly include receiving a link 404 with a secured wedge 406within a mouth of a trunk of a wedge driving apparatus 402. Similar tomethod 400, the driver 412 of the apparatus 402 can contact the wedge406 and move via application of torque to the bolt 414. In this manner,the method 410 can drive a wedge 406 out a link 404, such as to removethe link from a chain 408. In one embodiment, receiving the link 404within the mouth of the trunk can prevent separation of the link 404components when the wedge 406 is removed from the link 404. For example,when the method 410 is applied to a link 404 and wedge 406 that isconnect to a tensioned chain 408, removal of the wedge 406 can lead toseparation of the link 404 components, facilitating the removal of thelink 404 from the chain 408. In one embodiment, application of theremoving a wedge from a link can be dangerous, because once the wedge406 is removed, the link 404 components can come apart with significantforce, potentially injuring personnel. In one example, the trunk, havingreceived the link 404, can prevent violent separation, such that thelink 404 can be kept closed when the wedge 406 is removed, such that thelink 404 can be safely detached after, e.g., the operator of theapparatus 402 has removed the wedge 406 from the link 404. Preferably,in one embodiment, methods 400, 410 can include the use of an electricdrill 416 or electric impact driver 416 that can apply torque to thebolt 414, such as to drive the wedge 406 into or out of the link 404. Inanother embodiment, a manual wrench can be used; in another example, thebolt 414 can be configured to be turned by hand, such as byincorporating a lever, a wheel, or any other mechanism suitable toenable the bolt 414 to be turned by hand.

FIG. 5A-5B depict another embodiment of the present disclosure. A wedge(link wedge) 500 can be similar to wedges known in the art, such asthose used with links or link joiners in locomotive handbrake systems.The wedge 500 can include ears 502 and pins 504. In another embodiment,the wedge 500 can include a wedge first end 502 and a second wedge end504. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the wedge 500 between theears 502 can fit within or contact a groove of a driver of a wedgedriver apparatus in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure. In another embodiment, the ears 502 can prevent the wedgefrom being overdriven within a link or hammer link or link joiner. Inanother embodiment, the pin 504 or pins 504 can guide the wedge 500 intogrooves of a link or a wedge opening of a link joiner, such as when thewedge 500 is being driving into a link. In one example, a link (linkjoiner) 506 can include a wedge 500, a first stirrup 508, and a secondstirrup 510. In one embodiment, the first and second stirrups 508, 510can couple to one another, such as can be seen in FIG. 5B. For example,each of the stirrups 508, 510 can be configured to correspond to theother, such as by including a cavity 512 capable of receiving a spur 514of the other stirrup. In another example, each of the stirrups 508, 510can be configured to receive the wedge 500 via a wedge opening.

In one embodiment, each of the stirrups 508, 510 can include a pair offurrows configured to align with furrows on the other stirrup. Forexample, a stirrup 508, 510 can include a furrow traversing the cavity512 on the inner circumference of the link joiner 506; in oneembodiment, a longitudinal axis of the furrow can be substantiallyperpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the link joiner 506. In anotherexample, the stirrup 508, 510 can include or further include a furrowtraversing the spur 514 on the inner circumference of the link joiner506; in one embodiment, a longitudinal axis of the furrow can besubstantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the link joiner506. Preferably, each of the stirrups 508, 510 can include a pair offurrows, and in one embodiment, the each of stirrups 508, 510 can beconfigured such that each of their furrows align with furrows on theother stirrup 508, 510. In this manner, when the stirrups 508, 510 arecoupled to one another, their furrows can form two grooves on the innercircumference of the link joiner 506. Preferably, the grooves can eachbe located at the points of coupling between the cavities 512 and spurs514 of the stirrups 508, 510. In another embodiment, these grooves canbe configured to receive the wedge 500. For example, the wedge 500 canbe driven into the grooves of the stirrups 508, 510 in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the forceexerted by the wedge 500 on the stirrups 508, 510 can secure thestirrups 508, 510 together. In another embodiment, the ears 502 of thewedge 500 can prevent the wedge 500 from being over-driven through thestirrups 508, 510 of the link joiner.

In one embodiment, the wedge driver apparatuses and systems disclosedherein can be made of any suitable material. Preferably, the trunk,trunk cap, bolt, driver, spring, screw, and other components and membersdiscussed herein can be made of a metal, such as aluminum, steel, iron,copper, bronze, or any other metal or alloy thereof. In anotherembodiment, the apparatuses and systems herein can be made of polymers,plastics, or any other non-metallic material suitable to enable thedriving of a wedge, such as a wedge in a link joiner. In anotherembodiment, the components discussed herein can be made of the samematerial or different material. In another embodiment, a wedge driverapparatus or system can be configured to be as light as possible whilemaintaining the strength and structural integrity necessary to drivewedges. For example, the trunk can be made of aluminum while the trunkcap, bolt, and driver can be made of steel.

The present disclosure achieves at least the following advantages:

1. Increasing safety of wedge driving in hammer link installation;

2. Facilitating the installation and repair of chains or chain segments,such as in locomotive handbrake systems;

3. Providing an apparatus and method for chain repair;

4. Facilitating the repair of locomotive handbrake systems withoutremoving the chain from the system;

5. Providing a wedge driver with a driver member that is stabilizedagainst rotation around a longitudinal axis of the driver member;

6. Providing a method of removing a wedge from a link joiner thatmaintains the link joiner in an attached state immediately after removalof the wedge, such that violent separation of the link joiner componentsis mitigated or prevented; and

7. Facilitating axial driving of wedges in link joiners while preventingunwanted rotational movement at the point of contact between the driverand wedge.

The description in this patent document should not be read as implyingthat any particular element, step, or function can be an essential orcritical element that must be included in the claim scope. Also, none ofthe claims can be intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) with respect toany of the appended claims or claim elements unless the exact words“means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim,followed by a participle phrase identifying a function. Use of termssuch as (but not limited to) “mechanism,” “module,” “device,” “unit,”“component,” “element,” “member,” “apparatus,” “machine,” “system,”“processor,” “processing device,” or “controller” within a claim can beunderstood and intended to refer to structures known to those skilled inthe relevant art, as further modified or enhanced by the features of theclaims themselves, and can be not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

The disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For example, eachof the new structures described herein, may be modified to suitparticular local variations or requirements while retaining their basicconfigurations or structural relationships with each other or whileperforming the same or similar functions described herein. The presentembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, the scope of theinventions can be established by the appended claims rather than by theforegoing description. All changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embracedtherein. Further, the individual elements of the claims are notwell-understood, routine, or conventional. Instead, the claims aredirected to the unconventional inventive concept described in thespecification.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wedge driver, comprising: a trunk having afirst trunk end, a second trunk end, and a trunk opening disposedthrough the trunk from the first trunk end to the second trunk end; afirst prong extending from a first side of the second trunk end; asecond prong extending from a second side the second trunk end; a driverhaving a first driver end, a second driver end, a channel disposed alongat least a portion of the driver, a driver cap coupled to the firstdriver end, and an adapter coupled to the second driver end; a springdisposed around at least a portion of the driver; a bolt having a firstbolt end and a second bolt end; and a trunk cap removably coupled to thefirst end of the trunk, the trunk cap having a threaded bolt openingaligned with the trunk opening and configured to receive the bolt. 2.The wedge driver of claim 1, wherein the driver is disposed within thetrunk opening.
 3. The wedge driver of claim 1, wherein the first prongand the second prong include a retention member disposed thereon toretain a link joiner.
 4. The wedge driver of claim 1, wherein the drivercap prevents the driver from exiting the trunk opening through thethreaded bolt opening.
 5. The wedge driver of claim 1, wherein the boltpushes at least a portion of the driver out of the second trunk endthrough the trunk opening.
 6. The wedge driver of claim 1, wherein thetrunk opening includes a ledge proximate the second trunk end.
 7. Thewedge driver of claim 6, wherein the spring compresses between thedriver cap and the ledge when the bolt pushes at least a portion of thedriver out of the second trunk end through the trunk opening.
 8. Thewedge driver of claim 1, wherein the spring pushes the driver capthrough the trunk opening toward the first trunk end to retract at leasta portion of the driver back into the trunk opening after springcompression.
 9. The wedge driver of claim 1, wherein a set member canengage the channel to prevent the driver from rotating around alongitudinal axis of the driver member.
 10. The wedge driver of claim 1,wherein the adapter includes a groove for receiving at least a portionof a wedge.
 11. The wedge driver of claim 1, wherein a length betweenthe first prong and the second prong is sized to receive a link joineror hammer link.
 12. A method of operating a link wedge, comprising:receiving a link joiner between a first prong and a second prong of awedge driver; positioning a wedge first end in a groove of a driver;positioning a wedge second end in a wedge opening of the link joiner;and applying torque to a bolt in a first direction to extend at least aportion of the driver out of the wedge driver to push the wedge into thewedge opening without rotating the wedge.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the wedge driver includes: a trunk having a first trunk end, asecond trunk end, and a trunk opening disposed through the trunk fromthe first trunk end to the second trunk end.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the wedge driver includes a trunk cap removably coupled to thefirst end of the trunk, the trunk cap having a threaded bolt openingaligned with the trunk opening and configured to receive the bolt. 15.The method of claim 12, wherein the driver includes: a first driver end,a second driver end, a channel disposed along at least a portion of thedriver, a driver cap coupled to the first driver end, and an adaptercoupled to the second driver end.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein aspring is disposed around at least a portion of the driver.
 17. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the driver cap prevents the driver fromexiting the trunk opening through the threaded bolt opening.
 18. Themethod of claim 13, further comprising applying torque to the bolt in asecond direction to allow the spring to retract at least a portion ofthe driver back into the wedge driver.
 19. The method of claim 12,wherein the spring pushes the cap through the trunk opening toward thefirst trunk end to retract at least a portion of the driver back intothe trunk opening after spring compression.
 20. The method of claim 15,wherein a set member can engage the channel to prevent the driver fromrotating around a longitudinal axis of the driver member.